Hall, 81, was the first woman to serve as president of the Heart of America United Way. She held leadership positions and membership on numerous boards, including the United Negro College Fund, the Points of Light Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics, Partnership for Children, the Menninger Foundation, George Bush Presidential Library Center, the Library of Congress Trust Fund, Children’s Mercy Hospital and the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation. She also served on the boards of the Pembroke Hill School, Salvation Army, Starlight Theatre and the American Red Cross.

She and golfer Tom Watson established the Children’s Mercy Golf Classic, which raised more than $10 million for the hospital over its 25-year run.

"There are not enough superlatives to describe our grief," said Randall O'Donnell, the president and CEO of Children's Mercy Hospital and Clinics. "Adele Hall was a true champion of Children’s Mercy. She and her family have made numerous, significant gifts and she leaves a legacy of generosity and commitment to this hospital and community."

"This is a day of great sorrow," said Sarah F. Rowland, Chair of the Nelson-Atkins Board of Trustees. "We loved Adele dearly, and she and Don have made a profound impact on the museum and the entire community. For us, Adele was a pillar of generosity and support, and we will deeply miss her kind spirit and her leadership."

Kansas City activist Alvin Brooks said her family foundation gave his group its first grant in 1988.

"When you talk about Adele and Don Hall, you talk about civic responsibility, corporate responsibility, philanthropy and you talk about friendship," Brooks said.

She and Donald Hall were to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be sent to Children's Mercy Hospital, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Pembroke Hill School, The Salvation Army, The United Way of Greater Kansas City or Wayside Waifs. Contact information for these groups is listed here.

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